St. Petersburg – Clearwater Area

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Category Archives: Great Explores

Dedicated athletes takes their routine with them wherever they go. This holds true for runners. Most days I get up early, throw on my gear and start pounding the pavement, logging my requisite miles before the sun comes up.

I prefer to run alone. It’s my church – my chance to breathe, think and start my day. There’s something magical that tugs at a runner when you’re staying at the beach. Running at the water’s edge is not as easy at it appears in movies though

After a short jog from where I’m staying, I reach the sand beach and realize, you simply can’t run on this fluid white powdery surface. It takes a careful walk using a completely different motion to keep the sand out of my shoes and to make my way to the packed sand.

Indian Rocks Running Club

In the dark hours before the dawn, I feel the humid salt breeze blow through my hair and hear the waves washing against the gulf shore. I make sure to stay above the wet sand, so I can keep the rhythm of my stride even though I sense the slightest sinking feeling with each step. Every day distractions are soon swept away by the relaxing sound of the sea, the comedic sandpipers running in and out, as they try to catch breakfast among the tide’s foamy aftermath. As I start to perspire, I’m glad I’m out early….it won’t be long before the temperatures start to rise.

I’ve made some mental notes as to where to get on and off the sand and turn around. Fishing piers, be it Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach,

Pier 60, at Clearwater Beach

or Long Pier in Redington Beach,

Pier at North Redington Beach

or wooden ramps over protected sea oats, serve as my markers to measure time and distance.

While yesterday was a difficult run, less miles were covered. Today I don my gear and elect to run street-side. I’m amazed how much farther I can run with asphalt under my feet. This morning is met with the mundane side of beach life and it’s not as easy to free my mind – newspapers being delivered, equipment headed to the sand to begin beautifying the beach (who knew her looks didn’t come naturally!), the aroma of food wafting from restaurants make me think of breakfast, employees bicycling to work and fishermen readying to head out to sea.

Tomorrow, I think I’ll get back on the beach as it’s much more peaceful run. For those who like to run in a pack, dawn and dusk options are available around the county…see below.

We love to ride our bikes. Whenever possible, we travel with them. Ask anyone in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area where to ride and this is what they’ll say, “Pinellas Trail.”

Sea Oats and Sunset

In many parts of the country, retired railroad corridors have been converted to recreational paths and it’s no different here. This 36-mile contiguous linear trail connects Tarpon Springs to the north with downtown St. Petersburg to the south. The asphalt is well marked and requires users – bikers, walkers, in-line skaters and others – to follow “rules of the road” for the safe and enjoyable use by all. While the pathway hugs the west side of peninsula, don’t worry about crossing congested roadways, as overpasses have been created in many places.

Over the Edge Bikes, Dunedin

Over our numerous stays in the area, we have enjoyed biking different sections. Maps, available for this county park, highlight “park and ride” lots, beverage vendors and a place to get under cover for those unexpected showers. Bike and skate shops have popped up along the trail offering repairs, rentals and sales. A thumbs up to Trail Sports in Seminole for their great service They offer rentals and are convenient to the trail. So glad Uncle Bill and his wife could join us on a ride!

The trail is busy on weekends. For that reason, we prefer to take the roads less traveled and explore the many spurs and side trails built as a result of the trail’s popularity. Exploring the many neighborhoods gives us a real flavor for the community.

A big thanks too for the bike lanes on Gulf Blvd., a major north-south thoroughfare between Clearwater Beach’s Sand Key area in northern Pinellas county to Treasure Island (includes a short stint on Blind Pass Road) and then the length of St. Pete Beach to the south.

I’ll touch on some of those neighborhoods in another blog, as well as beach cruisin’ and a trail within Fort DeSoto County Park.

Can You Vacation in our St. Petersburg Clearwater Area Without a Car?

You Want to Vacation Here without a Car?

Have you asked yourself is you can vacation in this area without a car?

Well, the answer is, yes. It’s absolutely do-able – if you don’t mind a mix of transportation and a bit of walking too! But, speaking for myself, my favorite vacations are “walking locations”, where I can see things as I go! And you might find it is easier than you thought!

Here’s How You Can Vacation without a Car!

Below are some suggestions for those who want to forego a rental car or want to use their rental car minimally.

Getting To and From the Airport

Shuttle van services are often the lowest price option for individuals. Keep in mind that they do stop at a number of locations to drop off others sharing the shuttle with you at local hotels, etc.

Taxis, which are door-to-door, have a set rate and may accommodate 3 or 4 persons and are waiting outside the terminal. No advance reservation is required. You can call a local area taxi service in the community you are visiting and they should be able to give you an estimate of the cost. (They cannot pick you up at the airport, but can deliver you to the airport when it is time to go home.)

Private cars, also door-to-door, charge a flat rate, and may accommodate 3 or 4 persons. These services normally hold a sign and meet you in the baggage area, making you feel like a celebrity! These are a good option for families and small groups.

By the way, private car services are not shown on the Tampa International Airport Ground Transportation page. But, you can ask the Superior Small Lodging® owner/manager where you will stay. Or, you can do an online search for a private car services.

The St. Petersburg Central Avenue Trolley connect St. Pete Beach to the historic waterfront area of downtown St. Petersburg.

To and From the Grocery or Drugstore?

In most towns, the grocery and drug stores may be a ways from the beach or downtown.

++ If you are buying lot of items, a taxi might be the option for you. It’s door to door and usually has a large trunk.

++ If buying only a few items, you may be able to use the Trolley system in your area, such as:

The Suncoast Beach Trolley, which runs up and down the beaches area from St. Pete Beach in the south to downtown Clearwater in the north. Several grocery stores and drugstores are near the route.

The St. Petersburg Central Avenue Trolleycarries you from St. Pete Beach, which is west of downtown St. Petersburg. It also goes to the Pier area and other locations downtown St. Petersburg.

The St. Petersburg Downtown Looper will get you to great dining in downtown St. Petersburg, and the new Locale Market downtown also.

The Clearwater Jolley Trolley in this photo goes throughout Clearwater Beach, and connects to the Suncoast Beach Trolley.

Shopping?

++ Trolley systems take you to a number of shopping areas in the beach communities. So, for example, if you want to go to Johns Pass Village, the Suncoast Beach Trolley stops there.

++If you want to shop downtown St. Petersburg or Clearwater, see the information above about grocery and drugstore shopping.

++Should you want to find a shopping center, such as the Countryside Mall in the North and the Tyrone Mall in the South, the area bus system can get you there. The system is called the PSTA and routes and schedules are available online.

Seeing Some Sights?

Clearwater Beach

++The Jolley Trolley can get you to the Clearwater Aquarium and to Pier 60 with ease, if you are not close enough to walk.

St. Petersburg

++The St. Petersburg Downtown Looper stops at the Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Holocaust Museumand many more places of interest.

Gulfport

++Should you want to visit Gulfport, a charming community on the peninsula, the Suncoast Beach Trolley meets the Central Avenue Trolley at Williams Park in downtown St. Petersburg by the bay. From there, you can use Route #15 to go to the Gulfport Casino, which is smack downtown Gulfport!

++Look at the maps to make sure you understand where to get off in St. Pete Beach!

Gulfport, a colorful and charming small town shown in this photo, has a free trolley that runs through the downtown areas.

The Beaches

++Along each of the beach communities on the barrier islands on the Gulf of Mexico in our area from Clearwater Beach (North) to St. Pete Beach (South).

Active Sports?

You can go on vacation without a car and expand your kayaking, biking, or other active outdoor skills without a car.

++Many rental facilities that rent bikes, kayaks and other equipment will deliver it to you.

++Check out the blog at:www.bestgetawayever.com for information about options, resources and equipment. his site is in progress, and there are already a few blogs articles about active sports that area available, including some local resources to rent or use.

Dining Out

++Of course, there will likely be several restaurants you can walk to from where you will be staying.

++If you want to go a bit further, all the various trolleys may make this easy! And, we know your trips to a number of our locally owned restaurants will offer some very great experiences and memories!

So check out your options and take a break from driving if you are of a mind to experience our area close up, assisted by local professional drivers!

In the photo here, this guy is making headway on Madeira Beach! If you are interest in active things to do in our area, we suggest a blogsite that seems to be coming along, called Best Getaway Ever. It can point you to fun things to do and local resources so you don’t have to bring your own kayak, bike, or whatever.

Try Something New on Vacation!

We do agree that Johns Pass Village is one of the best splurge shopping areas. Plus, great food, fishing & boating of all sorts and a boardwalk that overlooks dolphins daily!

Watch for Dolphins and Manatees along the Boardwalk

And we think the best hotels are the Superior Small Lodging® hotels. inns, cottage and resorts! No surprise here! Take a look at all your great choices!

Here’s a Great Day Trip…

If you aren’t staying in Madeira Beach or Treasure Island, you might find it fun to visit! Johns Pass Village in Madeira Beach was chosen as the “Best Shopping Splurge!” location this year in the “2015 BEST OF ST. PETERSBURG CLEARWATER AREA ” video that showcases some fun and fabulous places!So make time for this fun explore!

Pirate Haunts Plus!

I love John’s Pass. It is the entrance to Boca Ciega bay from the Gulf of Mexico, created by the Great Gale of 1848. Along the boardwalk, you can always catch the acrobatics of a few of the 250 or so dolphins that live in the area.

First inhabited by the Timucua Indians, legends tell us that pirates, roaming the area, used this area as a base for attacks on both Spanish and English ships!

“The Village” was a fishing settlement that small commercial boats worked out of. Today, what you will find based here are deep sea fishing charter boats, small rental watercraft, a Pirate cruise for kids and adults alike, a dolphin watch cruise or parasailing vessels!

The former fishing village is now a shopping district, with lots of great dining options and a lively waterfront. In addition to personal shopping or souvenir shopping, you can enjoy a delicious meal or try the chocolates or “homemade” ice cream from two different shops. And, a new craft brewery is opening, that we are very excited about also!

Treasure Island

Well, I must tell you that when my family visited Treasure Island many years ago, one of my brothers was sure that buried treasure was left by pirates on the beaches of Treasure Island. My guess is that today, other young boys have the same fantasy – and also spend hours digging for abandoned pirate treasures!

With an energentic beach shopping district and wide beaches, Treasure Island is a great explore! It has everything from a very, very wide beachfront to sophisticated dining to delight you!

Street Fairs

Discovery is the key word at our local street fairs. Vendors bring an interesting array of usually quite affordable, treasures. And, It’s all at your pace!

Madeira Beach hosts a “Wednesday Morning Market” from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. each week along Madeira Way. Crafts, fresh vegetables, pet boutique items and more are available. And there’s always a food truck and food vendors to tempt you!

Treasure Island offers a “Friday Market” street fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Treasure Island Park just off 107th Avenue.

Holiday Festivals

Both Madeira Beach and Treasure Island have boat parades – by locals, for locals. But you can join this fun! There is no no charge to view the parades. Just take your position along a seawall and see some very creative boat decorations! Boat parades are held at:

Veterans Day

Christmas season

Be sure to check each city’s calendar for dates.
The 4th of July always features professionally done fireworks displays in both cities. Come a bit early and stay a bit late to see fireworkss displays in other cities along the beaches!

This great little rescue and rehabilitation facility is home to the world-famous dolphin, Winter, who has a prosthetic tale. The aquarium offers hands-on activities that range from touching sea critters to a crafts-activity room fro those who need a few minutes of coloring and crafts!

The dolphin education show, offered several times a day, is a hit with adults and children of all ages! (Open daily) These dolphins really show their amazing capabilities at the show, and you might want to call ahead for the schedule so you do not miss this. Definitely worth the making time for the dolphin show!

Tarpon Springs doesn’t actually look like Florida too much! It looks more like a little Greek fishing community – at least along the waterfront! It’s largely populated by descendents of immigrants who were recruited to dive for sea sponges almost 100 years ago.

The boat ride is short (30 minutes), inexpensive, and informative. And, the diver who demonstrates sponge harvesting wears a diving costume like you see if books! The diving outfit is complete with big, weighted shoes and a helmet shaped like a ball. (Open daily, weather permitting) For More Information: http://stnicholasboatline.com/

In addition to owning and operating a ‘hotel’, we travel with our dogs… So we thought we would share the 5 most important things we’ve learned about traveling with the family dogs!

Plan to be around most of the first day in your vacation spot.

Dogs acclimate very quickly to new locations, but leaving your dog alone for several hours the first day in a new place can be a mistake. Dogs that never bark, cry or howl at home sometimes feel “left behind”. And, they let everyone know how unhappy they are! Obviously, this isn’t good for them, for you, or for your hosts. So, easy does it! Stay around most of the first day to let them get used to the new “home”. Then, you can stay away a bit longer and be worry free! Everyone will be glad you did.

Bring along familiar toys, beds and crates.

Dogs benefit from familiar items and adapt more quickly, knowing that some of “home” is with them. This is especially true for crates, which make lots of dogs feel safe. (Heck, I bring my pillow on road trips, cause I sleep better with my stuff, too!) And, if you are traveling by air, we and many local Superior Small Lodging™ hotels and resorts with advance notice are happy to help arrange for a crate for your dog for your stay (at a nominal charge).

Bring your dog’s records.

If your vet doesn’t have records available online – and most don’t – you will be prepared should you have a concern. Nothing is worse than being unable to get your pet’s records faxed to you, when your dog seems to need an exam! Plus, should you decide to use doggie day care or board your dog in a kennel, immunization records will be required – and you will be all set.

Bring along a portable (collapsible) drinking dish.

This is especially important if you are staying here in Florida or traveling during the summer. Dogs need to stay hydrated too and you can share your bottle of water!

Give Yourself a Vacation!

Ask your host hotel or resort about dog walkers or doggie daycare,. This way, should you decide to do a daytrip and want to linger a bit longer, you can. After all you and your dog are on vacation! Have fun and be sure to understand any “house rules” pertaining to dogs when traveling with your furry buddies! And, do consider a Superior Small Lodging™ in our area! Hope these tips are helpful – and hope that you have the best getaway ever!